Martha Mills doctor's failings 'particularly grave' - tribunal

A medical tribunal found consultant Prof Richard Thompson's failings in the care of 13-year-old Martha Mills, who died from sepsis in 2021, amounted to 'gross negligence' and were 'particularly grave'. His fitness to practice is impaired, with sanctions yet to be decided. Martha's death led to 'Martha's Rule' in England.

1. 1 In the summer of 2021, Martha Mills suffered a bike accident and was transferred to King's College Hospital.
2. 2 On August 29, 2021, Prof Richard Thompson, the consultant on call, failed to properly assess Martha's deteriorating condition and did not send her to intensive care.
3. 3 Martha died from sepsis.
4. 4 An inquest found she could have survived with prompt referral and better care.
5. 5 In 2022, Martha's parents raised concerns to the General Medical Council.
6. 6 Over the past few weeks, the Medical Practitioners Tribunal Service heard allegations.
7. 7 The tribunal concluded that Prof Thompson's fitness to practise is impaired.

• Prof Richard Thompson's fitness to practise found impaired
• Sanctions for Prof Thompson still to be decided
• Martha's death led to the implementation of 'Martha's Rule' in hundreds of hospitals in England
• Hospital admitted mistakes were made
• Reassurance to the public and message to doctors about good care principles